Time is running out for manager Marco Silva and his team to give the Everton fans something to be excited about as the season begins to draw to a close.

But, following a very disappointing defeat at St James' Park on Saturday, Silva will have to show quick and rapid improvement for that to be achieved.

The one thing he should, however, have noted from Saturday's loss against Newcastle United is that defender Yerry Mina should start matches, rather than being used a substitute.

The defender replaced Richarlison on Saturday with 12 minutes left to go and although Newcastle managed to score twice in that period, Everton might have had a better chance of seeing out the game should he had been on the pitch earlier.

The decision to replace the £50m man with the former Barcelona ace was, ultimately, to sit back and defend the two-goal lead they had at the time but it didn't work and Ayoze Perez struck twice in the final ten minutes to seal a famous win for the Magpies.

The short appearance Mina made on Saturday, however, was only the second match he has featured in this year and he hasn't been given the proper opportunity to settle as a player or regular starter in the team.

His experience and expertise are exactly what Everton are in dire need for now and they are desperate to have some defensive stability.

Despite his potential, Michael Keane has been far from his best this season, while Kurt Zouma has also been a bit too inconsistent in defence.

Mina, though, should've been a key defender for the club this season, but due to injury and Silva not completely backing him, Everton have been punished at the back on multiple occasions.

If the manager starts to back him and use him more regularly then the Toffees might be able to finish the season with some sort of momentum.

Everton fans, how highly do you rate Yerry Mina? If not, why not? Join the discussion by commenting below...